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16. BenPiano - Poem Lovely piece Ben! Your recording is great too as you captured the sweet sound from your Kawai very well here. Not difficult to learn??? It looks like you are playing from memory also. Amazing is all I can say! It is pieces like this that makes PW so wonderful!!

17. Monica K. - OpeningIt is a true pleasure to hear your Mason & Hamlin sing pieces like this. I have never played a Glass piece but I think I will have to add that to my list as it is the type of music I love to play myself. Great work as always Monica. Your playing always looks so effortless!

18. cgyan / Iain - Morning Light This is true perfection Ian! Your slow animation of the moon/sun is simply brilliant. For those of you who have not seen this video, take a look at it as it is fantastic! I have come to expect excellent performances from you but I think you raised the bar even higher with this professional arrangement for piano and orchestra. Thanks for sharing!!

19. Jazztpt (Russ) - You See An amazing composition Russ! Your love of your DP shines thru in this lovely performance!! Amazing that you added improvisations in it too!!

20. Inlanding - Glen - Angle Eye and Morning Greets the New DayGreat work Glen! Your Jazz music is so great to listen to!! Loved it.

21. Andy Platt - Gavotte and Variations Great performance of a piece that seems to be quite difficult! Some of the sections seems to be quite the challenge to get right and you do a great job here!!

22. CASINITALY (Cheryl) - Romanza and The Little Music Box ?Lovely, but short, pieces! I especially liked the music box. I think the tempo is just right. I also loved the pictures you added in your video. It adds a great dimension to your performances.

23. SandTiger - Shimmer No audio feedback during the recording?? Amazing. I liked it!! Great job!

24. Yamaha G3 & P-80, Mike White - Meditation Fantastic job here Mike! This is not an easy piece and you really make it shine with this lovely performance!

25. Hawgdriver - Nocturne in B flat minor, Op. 9/13 years experience??? Did you do anything else than playing during these years? This is simply a fantastic performance and I love how you handle the dynamics so well in this piece. May I ask why you record to a zoom here? The recording quality is top notch. I am just curious.

26. MusicaMusique - Je t'aimais, je t'aime, je t'aimeraiThis is a great performance of a piece that sounds very difficult. Loved it!!

27. kenjazz (Ken) - Waltz For Debby Ken, we have all come to expect great performances from you and your magical studio. This piece is no exception. The fact that this is your own arrangement makes it even better. I love the warm sound your music always has. Your recording quality is amazing too. That Schimmel of yours is a musical gem!!

28. MaryBee - Bagatelle No.25 in A minor (Fur Elise)A very familiar piece and you do it great justice in this lovely performance.

29. Allard - Before the Last Leaf FallsThis sure does not sound easy to me. Great performance of a lovely piece!! I can't believe you only have played the piano for 1 year. Amazing and keep up the great work!!

30. Jazzwee - Blue Monk Wow - a live performance!! I love how you hear the audience in the recording. The fact that this is an improvisation is amazing. I loved it. I just wish we had all been in the venue to hear this live!! A great applaud to you and your band members for this fantastic performance!!

31. zrtf90 (Richard) - Romance Sans Paroles, Op. 17 No. 3 Lovely piece and an equally lovely performance. Are you saying that this DP is from 1989??? It sounds fantastic to me. You play this piece very well!!

36. lyricmudra - Consolation No. 3 I expected this to be a top notch performance and you sure did not disappoint me here. A great video too. It is a true pleasure to see a master like you at the piano!!

37. TrapperJohn - I'll Be Seeing YouThis piece is new to me and I really liked it. Your playing is very relaxed and I can tell that you really enjoy playing this piece. Great job!!

38. DadAgain (& DadAgains Daughter) - Rondo Op163 #6What an amazing performance. I can't believe that this was the first attempt. Both of you are very talented for sure!

39. Ganddalf - Prelude Op.45 Great job here Ganddalf! And this is your first recording??? Please record more and share with us as your playing is simply fantastic.

24. Yamaha G3 & P-80, Mike White - Meditation I like how you take your time with this piece, allowing us to savor the rolling chords and romantic melody.

25. Hawgdriver - Nocturne in B flat minor, Op. 9/1 Oh, so lovely! From that delicate beginning on to the more deeply intense second theme, you've given us a beautiful and inspiring performance.

26. MusicaMusique - Je t'aimais, je t'aime, je t'aimerai This is such a pretty piece, one I've never heard before. Thanks for playing it for us.

27. kenjazz (Ken) - Waltz For Debby I really enjoyed this! I liked that I could kind of follow the melody through the piece. Nice playing.

29. Allard - Before the Last Leaf Falls This sounds quite sophisticated for an "Easy Piano" piece. You play it very well, with nice dynamics and phrasing. Very impressive.

30. Jazzwee - Blue Monk Where's my drink? It really makes the listener feel like they're there with the crowd enjoying a drink, dinner, and good music. Liked your sorta solo there about mid-way through. Fun to listen to!

31. zrtf90 (Richard) - Romance Sans Paroles, Op. 17 No. 3 A sweet piece that is new to me. I like how you bring out the melody, yet support it so well with the arpeggiated chords and dramatic dynamics. Very pretty.

32. TX-Dennis/Dennis Turner - Be Thou My Vision I love this melody. You give it a plaintive, almost haunting feel here. Well done!

46. Coldsalmon - Nocturne in Eb Major, Op. 9 No. 2 - I'm very sorry to hear you lost a loved one due to Sandy. Your experience on the piano is right around mine. I've tried this a couple of times - yikes! Incredible that you're playing this so wonderfully! I'm hoping your next piano gets to play with you!

47. windywindy - Love Is All Around - hehe, your 8 month (and many years on and off) experience threw me for a loop. Clearly you have a lot of talent and experience with the piano, and it showed with your submission for this recital!

48. Teodor - Tereza's Inspiration (Original Piece) - You have been clearly inspired for your creation - you will make a fine teacher for your students!

49. BillM - When You Wish Upon A Star Bill, very nice - and incredible!

50. Bessel - The Happy Farmer (Returning from Work), and Wild Horseman - Despite your reservations, I think you played these well beyond you experience listed. Well done!

51. PianoStudent88 - Minuets BWV Anh. 114, 115 - Well done! These Baroque pieces are not easy at all. I hacked these two pieces up when I started, but never was able to string a repeat together, nor trills, nor both of these pieces combined (as you did). To put all of this together like you did is an accomplishment you should be proud of!

12. Jake S - Prelude no.4 in E minor Very impressive you've been playing for 10 months and you tackled Chopin! This piece looks easy to play, but like with all of Chopin's work, especially those one-pagers, is always subject to ability the mood of the moment. I really look forward to more of your playing.

13. Wj3 / Walt - Bethena Scott Joplin's Bethena is one of my favorites. This is wonderfully done, very carefully played as it is clear you are listening to the music as you play... I look forward to hearing the full version next time.

14. ladypayne - Early Winter Each one of your originals gets more and more intricate. Your creative powers are growing by leaps and bounds. Excellent original composition.

15. (Was)TrueBeginner - Sandy This piece sounds like it could be a clip used for a movie soundtrack. It has a familiar ring to it, but couldn't place it. Really well put together, it paints a very good picture in my mind's ear.

16. BenPiano - Poem This piece is wonderful, Ben. I've had this music for a long time and have only played at it. I am always impressed by your abilities, then considering you've three and a half years under your belt, it's even more impressive. Great work on such fine melody.

17. Monica K. - Opening Never heard of Philip Glass before, so thank you for introducing a new composer. You did a wonderful job working the triplets against straight eighths. It is reminiscent of a wind chime with the constant repetition and you do bring that out very well. You hold your hands in such a wonderfully relaxed position - good work.

18. cgyan / Iain - Morning Light Iain - you knocked this one out of the park! Your sense of dynamics makes it so clear you are listening to the music as you play, then syncopating your playing with the echo effects really makes this even more wonderful and interesting. It creates a wonderful mood and you paint so many colors with this piece. Thank you!

Peyton -- I believe this could be a message from space, since I don’t even think this could be notated within for a humans to read and, except for seeing it with my own eyes, I’d find it hard to believe it was possible for them to play. If the physicist and ancients are right about sound being able to raise up to a higher level of consciousness and transform us on a cellular level, this sounds like what a higher intelligence would create for that purpose in order to communicate with us. LadyPayne – I think its interesting that your compositions sound so much more classical than I remember your covers of others ever did. You play very emotionally and do your wonderful music justice with your piano skills. You’re world travel must have inspired you, your music has become so rich and exotic. JazzPt - your original composition and performance reminds me of the days I used to frequent Yoshi’s, one of the largest venues for well known jazz artists in the country. You sound like some of the artists I heard perform there. So, hip, so cool so sophisticated and yet emotional. I’m glad you finally got an instrument that is up to the standard your talent deserves. Inlander-Glen -- you made me think of two teachers, Cheryl and my husband, because the former is an ESL teacher and you speak piano as a second language and because the latter teaches poetry and you speak that language like a poet. You improvise better than most songwriters compose. Amazing with all your affliction and performance handicaps that you should emerge capable of this level of performance. You are an inspiration to us all!! (Was) True Beginner, you must have been very calm in the eye of the storm because that is what this composition sounds like. A calm eye turned on a disaster on too massive a scale to fathom in personal terms. It has a timeless quality though and resonates a collective sadness in such a way that one could imagine it as the soundtrack to a film about the exile of people from their homes or from watching the slow occupation and devastation of their lands in archetypal scenerios of terrorism or war, whether due to natural or man-made causes. Maybe “Diaspora” would have been a better name for it. SandTiger, very sweet and playful piece. I like the counterpoint and music box quality. Great way to teach yourself theory, develop your ear and improve your piano skills all at the same time. I assume that’s how all the Masters did it. Teodor, you are so versatile, I can see all your skills coming into play here, your classical piano, your lyrical expression via your singing and your collaboration with other musicians …With the right lyrics this sounds like it could become a classy alternative rock band’s hit song. Mile High Steve—Wow Tom O’Horgan meets Andrew Lloyd Webber meets the Rocky Horror picture Show and I don’t know what else in the New Age. Creative enough to raise the dead!

45. jotur/Cathy Turner - Alexander's Ragtime BandGreat playing. I am glad that your system worked so that you could capture this performance!

46. Coldsalmon - Nocturne in Eb Major, Op. 9 No. 2 Fantastic plaing of a great classic!! I can tell that this song has matured in your fingers as you make you piano sing in this performance.

47. windywindy - Love Is All Around I am not familiar with this music but I liked it. Great job!

48. Teodor - Tereza's Inspiration (Original Piece) Great piece and great playing! I am glad that you finally got a recording that you are happy with!!

49. BillM - When You Wish Upon A Star There are so many great performances in this recital but I think this piece is my absolute favorite! Your voice and playing are top notch as always Bill. It is also great to be able to see you play to see how relaxed you are in front of your magical piano.

52. Mar_red - Dom (Home) / Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Medley.I am not familiar with this music but I really liked both. Great performances too!

53. Sam Rose (Shmuel R) - Solfeggietto (Solfeggio) in C Minor Well… There is not much to say about this other than you are extremely talented Sam! Great job and thanks for sharing!!

54. Norrec, Tim - Solitude What a lovely piece this is! You play it so well. I really like how you play it so softly!!

55. Mile Hi Steve - Halloween Potpourri Amazing Steve!! What a great ending to a great recital!!I love how you were able to mix all these instruments so well into this piece. Fantastic job!! Thanks for sharing!

>> Marybee wrote:23. SandTiger - Shimmer What a sweet composition! The tune is appealing, and it has some interesting rhythms going on, yet it seems to be at a level that would not be too difficult for an older beginner. Have you written it down, or was it played by ear?>>

Thank you for the compliment Marybee. My process is to play a bit, record a bit, then work on the piece. When I get near a version that I want to share live or online, I write down a rough sketch of the piece in ABC notation. With the written ABC sketch plus a recording, I can reconstruct a piece. The ABC conveys the notes and chords to be played, and the recording has the phrasing and timing.

I am weak at reading regular sheet music, and weak at identifying rhythms from any kind of notation. It is a labor intensive task for me to get anything written down in traditional sheet music format. On the rare occasions that I do transcribe, I type it up in ABC format and using a website to translate that into a sheet music PDF file. http://www.concertina.net/tunes_convert.html

My weaknesses with learning from sheet music, is one reason I started writing my own music. My weakness became a strength.

21. Andy Platt - Gavotte and VariationsWhat a lovely theme and very well played , nice dynamics nand control of all those scales, that's a lot of music to learn, very well done.

22. CASINITALY (Cheryl) - Romanza and The Little Music Box Two lovely pieces ,the Romanza sounds familiar to me but I am not sure where I would have heard it before. I was particularly taken by the Little Music Box. Nicely played.

23. SandTiger - ShimmerA sweet little composition, well done.

24. Yamaha G3 & P-80, Mike White - MeditationOne of my favourites of the recital , what beautiful music and wonderfully played. Such rich chords played with full tone. This had me checking out youtube for some more Cecile Chaminade music and there are a few pieces there, what a shame she is not better known,thanks for your wonderful performance of this lovely piece.

25. Hawgdriver - Nocturne in B flat minor, Op. 9/1I am not a classical player so I can't comment on Interpretation of Chopin but this sounds mighty fine to me, you have a lovely touch and after just 3 years and without a teacher this is remarkable playing. Wonderful piano sound on the recording too.

26. MusicaMusique - Je t'aimais, je t'aime, je t'aimerai Very soothing melody and playing, little bit of background noise on the recording which is a shame, played by ear, very good indeed.

27. kenjazz (Ken) - Waltz For DebbyThis is one of my favourites too which I have been playing a lot lately - I really like the Tony Bennet/Bill Evans version too - great that you created your own arrangement , you have a talent for that Ken , something I struggle with. This is a really nice version with good melodic & swinging impro that fits the mood perfectly. Great stuff.By the way I wish I had your bass player :-)

28. MaryBee - Bagatelle No.25 in A minor (Fur Elise)When I was a school all the kids that played the piano (not me unfortunately) used to bash out the first few bars of this so yes everyone plays it and its well known but you don't often hear it played as well as it it here, you absolutely brought it to life.

29. Allard - Before the Last Leaf FallsVery even playing on both hands with nice use of dynamics, very well done.

30. Jazzwee - Blue Monk (to do)Man that is a funky Blue Monk, never heard it like this before. After a tentative start you really got into your solo, nice playing Jazzwee. Great band you have there.

I was unable to participate in this recital due to a major health crisis, but I did listen and I wanted to compliment everyone that took part. There is amazing talent on this forum, and it is so fun to hear what everyone has been up to!

01. CarlosCC - Canzone Popolare (Francia 1500ca) - Original extended cover This is a truly beautiful piece very well played. Your extension was seamless and extended the theme beautifully.

02. jaredm2012 Jared Miller - To Zanarkand Very impressive for five months experience! You have a nice touch and great expressiveness.

03. cebukid - Bach Invention 1 in C-Major (BWV 772) Yes! Inventions are tricky hard. You did a great job with this. The voices are clear and well balanced.

04. Peyton - Message From Space: Waiting for the Sun You have such a creative flow. Beautiful, relaxing music with a touch of mystery.

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses I am not familiar with Couperin, but judging by this piece I would like to learn more about his music. I like the use of pauses and phrasing. Well played.

08. Greener / Jeff Green - Little Preludes No. 2 (BWV 934) & No. 4 (BWV 936) I love the little preludes! I have discovered that these are much more difficult than they appear on the page. I like your interpretation of both. Very nicely played.

09. Riddler (Ed) - Chelsea Bridge Very nice arrangement with some interesting harmonies. I like how you create and resolve tension throughout.

10. timmyab - Arabesque no 1 It sounds like you managed to capture the relaxed, floating feeling that this piece needs. Very nice Debussey!

11. Mr Super-Hunky - Nothing Else Matters-original cover You created an absolutely beautiful arrangement, very full and expressive. Capturing the heart of all the instruments with the piano is quite an accomplishment.

12. Jake S - Prelude no.4 in E minor This is such a hauntingly beautiful Prelude, and you captured its feel well. Nicely played and great progress in 10 months!

14. ladypayne - Early Winter I always look forward to your original pieces! I like the variation in tempo and feel that you give this piece. Wonderful.

15. (Was)TrueBeginner - Sandy Another original! It sounds like a rainy day mood. I am always blown away with the originality of people on this forum. You did a beautiful job with this.

16. BenPiano - Poem The poem sounds like nostalgia, reflections of the past. Very nicely played.

17. Monica K. - Opening The back and forth polyrhythms give the piece a surreal feel. You keep the energy moving forward throughout the piece. Very nicely played.

18. cgyan / Iain - Morning Light What a gentle piece. I like the quiet, reflective feeling that you gave it. A joy to listen to!

19. Jazztpt (Russ) - You See A very nice traveling piece with lots of interesting variation that holds together very well. Very nice.

20. Inlanding - Glen - Angle Eye and Morning Greets the New Day (to do) Nice swing rhythm in the first piece. Very fun. The second one is a nice contrast to pensiveness. Very nice composition very well played.

21. Andy Platt - Gavotte and Variations Excellent job, Andy. I heard very well balanced voices and very nice ornaments. 6½ minutes of such intricate music is quite an accomplishment. Beautiful.

22. CASINITALY (Cheryl) - Romanza and The Little Music Box Very sweet little pieces, well played. The winding of the music box was a nice touch!

23. SandTiger - Shimmer Very pretty composition! You have made so much progress in 8 months.

26. MusicaMusique - Je t'aimais, je t'aime, je t'aimerai This is a very nice arrangement for playing by ear. You captured the beauty of the piece. Nicely played.

27. kenjazz (Ken) - Waltz For Debby You created quite a lot of variations and different feels in this piece, and it works very well. I like the gentle beginning working into something more lively. Good listening!

28. MaryBee - Bagatelle No.25 in A minor (Fur Elise) Beautiful interpretation of this well known piece. You gave it a sensitive, gentle touch that really touches the heart. Beautiful touch on the chromatic run in the transition back to the theme!

29. Allard - Before the Last Leaf Falls You are doing very well for one year of experience. You have a nice touch.

30. Jazzwee - Blue Monk Wow! A live performance! It felt like being there. Very fun!

I always read all the comments - it's so nice to see how interested people are in the music. So thanks not only to those who have listened to my piece, but to all of you who are taking the time to comment on those pieces which moved you, and to encourage all those of us who submitted. Bravo!

32. TX-Dennis/Dennis Turner - Be Thou My Vision - Dennis, this is a beautifull melody. It is very quiet and intimate, and I can detect some Irish tones. I loved it.

33. Serge88 - My Way - Serge88, When a song is well known (like this) it becomes difficult to make it attractive, but I think you managed to do an excellent job with this cover and this piece have become even more beautiful. Good cover, good sound, good interpretation. Very, very good!

34. LizAnne - Elegy Op.183, No.2 - I think the dynamic is not "learned". You "feel" it. And this can only be achieved with hard work, dedication and passion. And you have reached it! Congratulations.

35. MrPozor - The Doll's Funeral - I've had the opportunity to play on a Petrof, but I'm no expert to tell you if the piano needs tuning... The sound is fine, and It seemed to me you played well this sad piece of Tchaikovsky. Congrats.

36. lyricmudra - Consolation No. 3 - ...Sure that you conquered it! It should not be easy to play this, but I can realize how much dedication you put on this interpretation. You love this piece, right? It's wonderful.

37. TrapperJohn - I'll Be Seeing You - TrapperJohn, I can see the love you have for this piece. I understand perfectly what you mean by "labor of love"... it happens to me often. Congratulations for having achieved your goal. Very, very good!

44. Valencia - Work in Progress --Chopin's Etude 25/11 - The spirit of the recital is to show our progress, whatever it is the phase where we are. An advice? Keep your love for music alive and keep working. Congrats.

45. jotur/Cathy Turner - Alexander's Ragtime Band - I love ragtime music and this is one is spectacular. I was transported to the beginnings of the last century. Nice job! Congratulations!

46. Coldsalmon - Nocturne in Eb Major, Op. 9 No. 2 - Sorry about your new 1953 Baldwin... This piece is played in a wonderful way and you keep me meditative throughout the entire piece. I have little more to add. Just, wonderful.

47. windywindy - Love Is All Around - Sonny Curtis is a singer, right? I didn't know this but I enjoyed your interpretation. The music is lively and popular. Congratulations.

48. Teodor - Tereza's Inspiration (Original Piece) - I hope you have been as inspired as I was when I heard this piece. It is very beautiful and you did it justice. Congratulations.

49. BillM - When You Wish Upon A Star - Billm, I'm always waiting for your pieces. To me, you're already a "classic" in these recitals. I am your fan. I have nothing more to say.

50. Bessel - The Happy Farmer (Returning from Work), and Wild Horseman - Bessel, this is a funny and clever tune. I was "joyful" after hearing your interpretation. Congrats!

My last comments.But first, I want to thank everyone who made this recital. It was excelent!And I'm going to comment all the kind words I read about my piece. Thanks!

51. PianoStudent88 - Minuets BWV Anh. 114, 115 - I remember to listen this piece when I was in Munich (Germany) and I visited a museum dedicated to music. This is a famous Minuet and you played it with "dedication". Congrats.

52. Mar_red - Dom (Home) / Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Medley. - B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l I loved your piece of Kazanecki! And the theme of Christmas is excellent. You show great mastery of the piano. That's incredible, really nice work.

53. Sam Rose (Shmuel R) - Solfeggietto (Solfeggio) in C Minor - I do not know how you can play so well all these notes ... You must have invested a lot of work in this piece. Congratulations!

54. Norrec, Tim - Solitude - You played this Solitude with gentle, and it's beautiful! I'll be mindful of Michiru Oshima. Thanks for bringing this to us.

55. Mile Hi Steve - Halloween Potpourri - That's a great production! Nice work with all those instruments variations. The ambience is perfect for an haloween season. Good work!

I always read all the comments - it's so nice to see how interested people are in the music. So thanks not only to those who have listened to my piece, but to all of you who are taking the time to comment on those pieces which moved you, and to encourage all those of us who submitted. Bravo!

Cathy

This comment reminds me of racing motorcycles. There are the riders, (one group), the mechanics (usually a different group), and then there are all the spectators, (yet another group still). In addition, there are the organizers, administrators, and race officials.

It's up to everyone to do their respective part and I think they are. Even to the point where there is overlap of duties all over the place.

The only shortcoming would be if your not pulling your weight.

Bottom Line: The performers and administrators seem to be doing all the work. Lurkers, we would LOVE to hear from you too. If your not performing or contributing in any way to these recitals, PLEASE show your appreciation to the amount of time and effort put into all of these performances by acknowledging the performers in some way. The positive feedback and constructive comments means more to us than you could possibly imagine.

I always read all the comments - it's so nice to see how interested people are in the music. So thanks not only to those who have listened to my piece, but to all of you who are taking the time to comment on those pieces which moved you, and to encourage all those of us who submitted. Bravo!

Cathy

(...)Bottom Line: The performers and administrators seem to be doing all the work. Lurkers, we would LOVE to hear from you too. If your not performing or contributing in any way to these recitals, PLEASE show your appreciation to the amount of time and effort put into all of these performances by acknowledging the performers in some way. The positive feedback and constructive comments means more to us than you could possibly imagine.

This is a really great tune, Starr Keys. The cocktail jazz stylings are very effective. I know how tricky playing and singing business can be and have much respect for you that can do it this nicely. I sure wish I could. Nice performance.

44. Valencia

Thanks for sharing this, Valencia, in it's interim stage of development. It is surely to become a production for you and will be interesting to see the progression. I think you will surprise yourself positively, when bringing it up to the tempo you want, once you have more comfort with it. It is coming along nicely.

45. jotur/Cathy Turner

This really sounds like a fun piece to play, Cathy. I bet a real hit and very much appreciated by the assisted living/Alzheimer's audience. Good for you in reaching out to these folks with the joy of music. I've tried to volunteer for such venues myself, but seems it is not so easy to do here in Canada. However, if it ever does come about again this is clearly the perfect material I will need to get up to speed with. Thanks for this, Cathy.

46. Coldsalmon

Nice playing Coldsalmon. I am working on this exact piece myself (albeit slowly) as it keeps getting pumped in priority for easier pieces to learn. I think it will be worth it in the end though. I especially think so now after hearing you play it so nicely. Hope I can do as good a job. This is an impressive performance, and way more impressive at 3.5 year in. WOW, good for you.

47. windywindy

This is a fabulous tune and really comes off nicely on piano. Great choice and very well done. At first I was mixing this up and thinking "theme from Taxi", but then realized "Mary Tyler Moore". That's why it brings back such fond memories. Love the tune ...

48. Teodor

Nice playing Teodor. I don't know much about composition myself, but good for you in putting this together. There are some very interesting elements to it and it establishes a nice mood for me.

49. BillM

Some very heart felt expressive singing, Bill. What continues to amaze me each time I hear you though, is playing such a rich accompaniment at the SAME TIME. A lot of practice me thinks ... good for you, Bill. Some fine entertainment here.

50. Bessel

These are clearly not easy pieces to learn and play well, Bessel. Sounds like some tricky syncopation, particularly in the Wild Horseman piece. I think you are doing a commendable job with both of them, and they are also nice selections. Great job.

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses: I had never heard of Couperin, and I appreciate being introduced to his work. I was surprised to hear that it dates all the way back to 1717; it has a modern feel to it, dare I say almost Tiersenesque?

Thanks! Yes BenPiano already suggested it sounds a bit new-age

Originally Posted By: MaryBee

It was very strange, because I'm not usually very emotional. But it touched me somehow. No, it wasn't sadness. Nostalgia, perhaps? It was the refrain, I think, that brought back feelings of childhood.

Mary, thanks for the more details on it! Someone in the family played this when you were young?

Originally Posted By: Andy Platt

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses A beautiful way to introduce Couperin! This piece flows so beautifully, the pedaling is just great. You have a very nice touch with the phrasing and the melody line is brought out very nicely.

Andy, Thanks for your nice comments on the flow, pedaling and phrasing! I highly value these in music and it's great to hear that I'm getting there.

Originally Posted By: Peyton

5. Wouter- A beautiful piece. And very well played with a nice legato. And you are right, we don't hear much Couperin and you have to wonder why. They are such wonderful works.

Thank you!

Originally Posted By: CMohr

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses You got me with the first note. Your approach into the piece is flawless, which gave a beautiful flow throughout. Your touch is excellent on this piece, also. Your piano has such a wonderful sound - it seems to add to the piece. Lovely entry

Nice to hear that there is good flow and sound. As I just said to Andy, I highly value flow and appreaciate hearing positive comments on my attempts in this regard. Regarding the first note, I guess you're pulling my leg regarding my previous comments on the first notes? But the first notes ARE important so it's good to hear that as well.

Originally Posted By: CarlosCC

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses - Couperin...? I didn't know this piece. Thanks for the explanation about "brise style". You have shown a good domain on this (hard) piece. It's very beautiful.

Thanks and glad that you like it

Originally Posted By: lyricmudra

05. wouter79 - Les Baricades Misterieuses

Even though Couperin meant this for the harpsichord you gave it a beautiful life on the piano. It sounds like a very tricky piece. It speeds up and it slows down, and you did so at the right places. Your playing is brisk, but it breathes very well.

Thanks for your nice comments! It's not extremely tricky but you'd better not get lost in the written scores. But since I play from memory I don't have that issue. Still, if you have a mistake, picking up halfway is a bit tricky since all melody lines are interwoven. Easiest is to re-start the melody line first and then merge back in the other lines as you go.

Brisk? Maybe you should check some of the available recordings on the web, I'm in fact playing a bit slower than most

I’m thankful to everyone who took the time to listen to my piece and comment on it and on my sister’s artwork. I made sure I read all of your comments and I’ll be reading some of them to her next week.

Originally Posted By: Greener

This is a really great tune, Starr Keys. The cocktail jazz stylings are very effective. I know how tricky playing and singing business can be and have much respect for you that can do it this nicely. I sure wish I could. Nice performance.

I was all excited to start working with my new Ella songbook and accompanying CD this morning, but when I saw Greener’s post, I felt it was important to take the time to make sure people were not under the misconception that the voice they heard on my video with the accompaniment wasn’t taped in real time while playing. I had explained this earlier in this thread when Cheryl made a similar remark but I guess some people missed it. I said that even though I was singing when I recorded the accompaniment, I didn’t use that recording because I couldn’t sustain the energy in my voice all the way through. Since I always keep my DP recorder on these days, I just played the recording and sung to it while I made a new tape with my Zoom.

I am discovering that accompanying a singer is an art, and I have purchased a few books and CD’s like the Ella one to learn how to do it better. The secret seems to be playing most of the notes and chords at least an 8th note before or after you sing a note, and I am trying to learn to arrange more like this because it makes singing while playing so much easier (it also usually sounds better). I didn’t arrange this piece with this principle in mind, which is part of the reason I think ran into difficulty, especially when the tempo picked up (a cold is the other).

I'm not done commenting on work but did want to give a shout out of thanks to all that listened and responded to my piece. I know it was long and perhaps a bit tedious to listen to so I really appreciate everyone taking the time to listen. Some of your comments were really thoughtful and insightful and I cannot thank you enough.

33. Serge88 - My Way I like how you introduce variations on the repeats. Makes it quite interesting.

34. LizAnne - Elegy Op.183, No.2 I had to laugh about your ignorance of dynamics, because it was the same for me. I played for so many years without a thought for them, until I started taking lessons. Thank goodness we're able to learn new things! It sounds like you're making good progress with it. Hope that this round with your piano goes for longer than two years.

36. lyricmudra - Consolation No. 3 I have never heard this piece before, so no need to feel intimidated around me. Your playing is so deliciously expressive. Beautiful performance.

37. TrapperJohn - I'll Be Seeing You That is a pretty song. I'm glad you included the lyrics. Although I didn't sing along, I did follow them while listening.

38. DadAgain (& DadAgains Daughter) - Rondo Op163 #6 This just sounds like so much fun to play, and it was great fun to listen to, also! Congrats to both of you on the joint effort.

39. Ganddalf - Prelude Op.45 Musically, this seems like a complicated piece, taking you all over the place -- through lyrical, insistent, gentle, and triumphant passages. You handle those twists and turns with aplomb.

40. Sam S - Prelude Opus 28 number 15 (Raindrop) I'd like to learn this one at some point, too. I think I understand what you mean about the difficulty of making it musical, because there is just a lot of the repeated block chords in the left hand. You do great with this, especially in the "drumming" parts. Very dramatic. Piano sounds nice! It must be a real joy to be playing on a grand instead of an upright now, especially one that you've put so much time into.

42. Copper - What a Wonderful World Okay, I admit I'm a sucker for the sentimental -- I love this song. Thanks for playing it for us.

43. Starr Keys - Broken Hearted Me Oh yes, I remember hearing Anne Murray's version of this song. You've given it an entirely different and interesting flavor with this performance. I usually only listen to the audios of the recital pieces, but I watched your video to see your sister's art work. What an artistic family!

43. Starr Keys - Broken Hearted Me Oh yes, I remember hearing Anne Murray's version of this song. You've given it an entirely different and interesting flavor with this performance. I usually only listen to the audios of the recital pieces, but I watched your video to see your sister's art work. What an artistic family!

This one I’m going to read to my mom and my sister! Thanks for your kind comment and for departing from your usual routine to look at my video.

5. Movie or Game Soundtracks

2. Jared Miller6. Amurak

Jared, this is a beautiful song, it made me think, perhaps I should take up gaming. 5 month?!!-you are proof of the hypothesis play what you are drawn to with the emotion that love brings to it and you can progress faster and with more satisfaction to yourself and your audience than you would twisting yourself in knots analyzing the minutia of repetitive movements playing technics for three times as long. Amurak, I didn’t see the movie, but I loved the video. Parts of it felt like looking through a camera obscura, the effect of which fit the mood of the piece perfectly. Your playing is brilliant as usual.

10. timmyab - Arabesque no 1Beautiful, I loved it. Very flowing, you have overcome any tendency to play mechanically, to my ear. This seems like a very challenging piece, to me. Wonderful playing.

12. Jake S - Prelude no.4 in E minorExcellent, I have always found this prelude to be deeply moving. Wonderful expression, especially in the dramatic parts.

17. Monica K. - OpeningEverything should be made as simple as possible, but not moreso, unless we are talking about music, in which case moreso is permitted if the composer is Phillip Glass. I find this intriguing. wonderful performance,

19. Jazztpt (Russ) - You See Wow, Russ, this piece really indicates a fine musical direction in which you've pointed yourself. I like very much your use of 4ths to create such a wonderful effect in all the right places. You've captured some of the finer points of your favorite artists and created a style that is yours! You are really connecting with the music as it sounds as though you are listening very carefully to it as you play. …and your new keyboard, it sounds really very nice. This is definitely one of your best.

20. Inlanding - Glen - Angle Eye and Morning Greets the New Day I'd like to have heard a slightly longer improv on both, so keep practicing.

21. Andy Platt - Gavotte and Variations A very beautiful piece indeed. Your control over the dynamics and your touch on the keyboard are really quite impressive, and even more-so, considering it's six and a half minutes long. Beautifully done. How is it you came to chose this particular piece?

22. CASINITALY (Cheryl) - Romanza and The Little Music Box Cheryl, Romanza is fantastic. I had no idea you perfected it to the degree you have. Your use of staccato in the Little Music Box is really great. With each e-cital, you make such wonderful jumps in improvement. Your sense of touch is so much improved and your control over dynamics are spectacular. I really enjoy listening to your music. My only wish is that these pieces were longer - they both ended way too soon! Great job, Cheryl!

23. SandTiger - Shimmer Nicely done composition. Which came first, the title or the music? I am interested in your motivation for creating such a fine melody.

24. Yamaha G3 & P-80, Mike White - Meditation A wonderful melody and thank you for introducing a new composer. A very pretty and rich sounding piece of music, excellently played, Mike. How were you introduced to her music?

25. Hawgdriver - Nocturne in B flat minor, Op. 9/1 I am constantly amazed at your piano skill, and even more considering the fact you've been playing three years. This is no simple piece by any stretch and you play it with such patience and sensitivity.

26. MusicaMusique - Je t'aimais, je t'aime, je t'aimerai Your playing this relatively long piece by ear, your own arrangement is amazing. I watched the video in your submission and thoroughly enjoyed your piano version. Thank you for your music.

27. kenjazz (Ken) - Waltz For Debby A wonderful arrangement your created, especially as a tribute to your daughter, Liv. Tony Bennett personalized it for you and you personalized it for us! I very much enjoyed the swing you put into it. This is one of your best, Ken. Really good work with the virtual combo - it sounded great, too!

28. MaryBee - Bagatelle No.25 in A minor (Fur Elise) This is a really fine rendition. It's a great thing your teacher suggested you learn it. This is one of those pieces you can carry with your forever and it will mature under your fingers over the years. You play it as though you are telling a story, expressing the music as your mind's ear hears it. Wonderful.

29. Allard - Before the Last Leaf Falls One year at the keyboard…you play as though you've been playing much longer than that. This is a lovely piece of music you chose and you play it so very well.

StarKeys - I missed your reply earlier where you mentioned the recording was a different track than the music! I'm still very impressed with the outcome, and in fact seriously thinking of giving that a try myself!

As for Mr. Super-Hunky's suggestion of lurkers providing feedback (or other members who don't participate in the recital)... it would indeed be lovely to hear from you!

Like Jotur/Cathy, I enjoy reading the observations of other - I always find it very interesting to note when pieces which were new to me were also new to others. I also like the fact that others with more experience give a type of feedback I don't feel qualified to give, but appreciate hearing as it can be another source of "training" in my musical education!

and now... more thanks to those who commented on my submission!

Originally Posted By: Amaruk

Lovely, but short, pieces! I especially liked the music box. I think the tempo is just right. I also loved the pictures you added in your video. It adds a great dimension to your performances.

Thanks Amaruk - the Music Box is my favourite too. I’m glad you liked the tempo. The videos were amusing to put together, -but time consuming!- so it is very nice to know that they were enjoyed too!

Originally Posted By: Jazzpt

Two lovely pieces ,the Romanza sounds familiar to me but I am not sure where I would have heard it before. I was particularly taken by the Little Music Box. Nicely played.

I submitted Romanza to the piano bar about a year ago, but it was pretty wobbly, maybe you heard it there? Or if you use Joy of First Classics –Book2, maybe you saw it there and played it yourself? Thanks for your very kind comments!

Originally Posted By: SwissMS

Very sweet little pieces, well played. The winding of the music box was a nice touch!

Thanks SwissMS, glad you enjoyed the playing and my little musical joke!

Originally Posted By: Inlanding(Glen)

Cheryl, Romanza is fantastic. I had no idea you perfected it to the degree you have. Your use of staccato in the Little Music Box is really great. With each e-cital, you make such wonderful jumps in improvement. Your sense of touch is so much improved and your control over dynamics are spectacular. I really enjoy listening to your music. My only wish is that these pieces were longer - they both ended way too soon! Great job, Cheryl!

Thanks Glen! My new teacher is such a fabulous coach, he really helped me understand what I had to aim for! I can not tell you how exciting it is for me to hear your observations on my playing –you have always paid so much attention. I really did feel like I’d hit a new level of competency here and it is such a reward to know how clear it is to others too. I’m aiming for a longer piece for the next time round..we’ll see how I cope with that!

_________________________ XVIII-XXXVISometimes I try to progress faster than I am ready for.SwissMsFollow your teacher's instructions and practice wisely/much, and you'll soon wonder how you ever found it hard. BobPicklePerformance anxiety: make it part of your daily routine and deal with it...Cope! zrtf90

41. joangolfing - Elves' Dance I think I knew this piece, but if I didn't - you made it clear from the first few notes it was Grieg! You nailed it - wonderful staccato, nice phrasing and great rhythm. Loved it!

42. Copper - What a Wonderful World I think I heard Satchmo growling along! This was a beautiful, restrained performance. You gave the melody it's due and nice accompaniment.

43. Starr Keys - Broken Hearted Me A wonderful version of this - it suits your voice very well and the jazzy piano works very well with it. Excellent.

44. Valencia - Work in Progress --Chopin's Etude 25/11 This is quite a piece to play! Even if it's not all there, it's a wonderful start. Wish it could have been on an acoustic piano - or a newer digital. It would really shine. But I loved the runs, beautifully timed and lovely phrasing.

45. jotur/Cathy Turner - Alexander's Ragtime Band Although I don't really know the song, I could hear "Alexander's Ragtime Band" just fine! This is a wonderful, upbeat performance. There's some nice interplay between the hands. It sounds better than I can put into words.

46. Coldsalmon - Nocturne in Eb Major, Op. 9 No. 2 Everytime my teacher says we should think of a nocturne, I say this one and she says, not just yet. Soon! You capture the wistfulness of it beautifully. There is lovely timing in the phrases and ornamentation. All the while the accompaniment is just wonderful - unobtrusive but present with great movement within each measure. Awesome!

47. windywindy - Love Is All Around Very nice performance, controlled and with great expression - particularly in the chorus sections. In some of the verses I think you could have brought the melody out a teeny bit more. Great ending!

49. BillM - When You Wish Upon A Star You always show us just how it's done. This is an incredibly tender performance, without sentimentality. There's wonderful piano playing under the vocals too - it's almost a shame the vocals are so great they hide it! Wonderful.

50. Bessel - The Happy Farmer (Returning from Work), and Wild Horseman These are two wonderful performances of Schumann, who I always find trips me up. Loved the phrasing and you kept the rhythm going just perfectly.

24. Yamaha G3 & P-80, Mike White - Meditation (to do)Wow, what beautiful industrial strenght chords and arpeggios. I was surprised to hear such powerful stuff, given the title of the piece! Excellent performance.

27. kenjazz (Ken) - Waltz For DebbyLoved that swing part, very nice relaxed feel! Great voicings. Cool, ending too, with the grown accustomed quote. I am inspired, may have to try this one myself some day. Thanks for the geek alert!